Anfield stand to be renamed after Dalglish in recognition of Reds great

Anfield’s Centenary Stand is to be renamed after Kenny Dalglish in recognition of one of Liverpool’s greatest players.

The 66-year-old Scot has been associated with the club since 1977, when he moved from Celtic. During his time as a player, and two separate occasions as manager, he won eight league titles, three European Cups, two FA Cups, five League Cups and one Uefa Super Cup. Off the field he played a significant role in the aftermath of the 1989 Hillsborough disaster which claimed the lives of 96 fans, and he and his family still provide support to the victims’ relatives.

As a tribute Liverpool’s owners have decided, in the club’s 125th anniversary year, to bestow the naming honour on Dalglish, pictured, who with his wife set up the Marina Dalglish Appeal back in 2005 – a charity which aims to help those who have been diagnosed with cancer and their families on Merseyside. Anfield already has lasting tributes to two of its great managers in the form of the [Bill] Shankly Gates and [Bob] Paisley Gates but this is the first time a stand in the ground has been named after an individual. It will be known as The Kenny Dalglish Stand with the official renaming ceremony taking place at a later date this year.

“It is testament to Liverpool’s history and status that we are not lacking in truly great individuals, whose names could easily grace a stand at Anfield,” said principal owner John W Henry. “But in Kenny Dalglish we have a person who carries such immense significance to the fabric of this club, so it feels somewhat incumbent on us to recognise this in a manner that is befitting to the man.

“He is unique, not just to Liverpool, but to the game in England as a whole, having achieved greatness as a player and then enjoyed such success as a manager. His record and trophies won on both fronts speak for themselves. However, Kenny’s contribution to Liverpool goes beyond goals scored, points amassed and silverware placed in the cabinet. His values are Liverpool’s values – he represents what is best about this football club.

“The leadership and solace he gave to individuals, the club and city as it tried to come to terms with the trauma and tragedy of Hillsborough transcended sporting achievement. His name is synonymous with our club, with our home and the city of Liverpool. Now it will be as visible as it is palpable.” Pedro Caixinha has pledged to protect Rangers from fresh pain in the wake of Saturday’s Old Firm humiliation.

His team were thrashed 5-1 as Celtic enjoyed their biggest ever win at Ibrox. Caixinha has accepted his share of the blame after seeing his narrow midfield diamond ruthlessly exposed by Scott Sinclair and Patrick Roberts.

The Portuguese coach has promised to set the standards his side will require if they are to bounce back in their last four games of the season.

He told Rangers TV: “I need to lead by example and I am here to protect and defend the club, and the players as well.

“Another thing is to expect a strong reaction from the players. That is the reason I am telling them what my intentions are with regards to next season. Of course, my intention is also how to conclude the four matches we have to face, and face thinking about winning.”

Reports have suggested Caixinha is planning a clear-out of his first-team squad. And he claims he already knows the direction he wants to take the team next season.

“Today we had, in my opinion, our most important meeting with the players,” he said. “It regarded the present and the future, what it really means to defend this club and what it means to be here playing at this club.

“One of the things which brought us to the club at the end of a season was to be able to assess the players on a daily basis and up-close. We wanted to assess everything about the squad, the players and Scottish football in order for us to take decisions from this season into next season. We know what we want.”

Caixinha hopes to have skipper Lee Wallace back from stomach surgery after Sunday’s trip to Partick Thistle. And midfielder Jon Toral also hopes to play a part before the season ends and he returns to parent club Arsenal. The Spaniard has missed both of last month’s derbies with Celtic with a rib injury.